Prosecutors Condemn Gov. Newsom’s Death Commutations
Prosecutors and victims’ advocates condemned Newsom’s commutation of all 548 death sentences.
November 6, 2026 · Updated 11:01am ET
Los Angeles TimesContributor: Newsom is right to commute death sentences. They revictimize families
CBS NewsCalifornia death row sentences to be commuted to life without parole, Newsom says
World News GroupGavin Newsom to commute death sentence for 548 prisoners
The GuardianWe’ve just seen a transformative moment in America’s death penalty history | Austin Sarat
The HillNewsom death penalty move ‘impossible to view outside a political lens’: Geragos
New York PostHorrific college girl slayings resurface as Gavin Newsom’s death row stunt slammed by DAs
TruthoutNewsom Commutes All 548 Death Sentences in California
Breitbart NewsGavin Newsom's Mass Commutation of Death Row Inmates Faces Legal Battle, Pushback from Prosecutors
PBS NewsHourNewsom plans to commute all of California's death sentences
The Center SquareNewsom commutes death sentences for all 548 on death row
TIME MagazineWhat to Know About Gavin Newsom’s Historic Commutation of All California Death Sentences
Just the NewsCalifornia Dem Gov Newsom commutes all 548 death sentences in state to life in prison without parole
Daily KosNewsom commutes all death row sentences in California
TownhallGavin Newsom Commutes 548 Death Sentences to Life in Prison
Hot AirNewsom's Death Row PR Move: Legal or Not?
RedStateCA Voters Said, Speed Up Executions; Newsom Said, How About Commutation and a Rehab Center Instead?
ZeroHedgeNewsom Wipes Out 548 'Racist, Inhumane' Death Sentences With One Letter
30%
Left · 6
10%
Center · 2
60%
Right · 12
Pano rates the coverage Leans Right.
What happened
Updated 11:01am ET- California prosecutors and victims’ advocates condemned Gov. Gavin Newsom
Gavin Newsom40th governor of California since 2019’s decision to replace all 548 death sentences with life in prison without parole. - Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho said the blanket decision disregarded years of court proceedings and voters’ repeated rejection of efforts to abolish the death penalty.
- Phyllis Loya, whose police officer son Larry Lasater was murdered, said she felt “immense anger” over the decision.
- Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman
Nathan HochmanAmerican lawyer questioned Newsom’s authority, but defense attorney Mark GeragosMark GeragosAmerican lawyer said the governor was exercising his constitutional powers, not abolishing the death penalty. - Before 382 of the commutations can become final, the California Supreme CourtSupreme Court of Californiathe highest court of the U.S. state of California must approve them because they involve people with multiple felony convictions.
How the left told it
Left-leaning outlets generally framed the commutations as a historic advance against capital punishment. The Guardian’s commentary called the decision a “transformative moment,” while Truthout described it as a step toward broader change. A Los Angeles Times contributor whose wife was murdered argued that pursuing death sentences harms victims’ families.
How the right told it
Right-leaning outlets largely emphasized prosecutors’ objections and victims’ families’ pain. The New York Post called the decision a death-row “stunt” and highlighted a slain officer’s mother’s anger. World News Group stressed arguments that Newsom disregarded juries and voters, while Breitbart emphasized potential legal obstacles.
California Death Penalty
Part of the storyline · Storyline →- Nov 6Prosecutors Condemn Gov. Newsom’s Death Commutations (this story)Leans Right
- Nov 5Gov. Newsom Commutes Death SentencesBalanced
